Does Soybean Yield and Seed Nutrient Content Change Due to Broiler Litter Application?

Abstract

Broiler litter (BL) has the potential to be used as an alternative multi-nutrient source for soybean (Glycine max L.) production. While previous research on soybean yield response to BL has reported inconsistent results, the effects of BL application on soybean seed nutrient concentrations are largely unknown or less studied. The objective of this two-year field study was to investigate the effect of BL application on soybean yield and seed nutrient content in three different soil types and production environments. To pursue the objective, a field experiment was established in 2018 in a Compass loamy sand with four BL rates (0, 2.2, 5.6, and 11.2 Mg BL ha−1). In 2019, the study was expanded to include two additional soil types (Decatur silty clay loam and Dothan fine sandy loam) totaling four site years. The experimental design at each site was a randomized complete block with four replications. Application of BL had no impact on soybean yield in the first year, regardless of application rate and soil type. In the second year of BL application, soybean yield was 43% higher overall compared to no BL plots on a Compass loamy sand. However, soybean yield with the application of 5.6 or 11.2 Mg BL ha−1 was not statistically different from that at 2.2 Mg BL ha−1. Soybean seed Ca and B concentrations changed significantly among the treatments; however, the change was not consistent across the sites. Consecutive year application of 11.2 Mg BL ha−1 yr−1 produced the highest seed K and Cu concentrations. The results of this research suggest that repeated BL application can boost soybean yield and potentially enrich seed with selected nutrients.